2024 FCS Week 5 Top 25

1. South Dakota State (3-1)

The Jackrabbits solidified their top ranking with a dominant 42-21 victory over North Dakota. Quarterback Mark Gronowski continued his impressive season, throwing for 233 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Isaiah Davis rushed for 132 yards and three scores. SDSU's balanced attack proved too much for the Fighting Hawks to handle.

Defensively, South Dakota State was equally impressive, holding North Dakota to just 81 rushing yards. This complete performance on both sides of the ball demonstrates why the Jackrabbits are the team to beat in FCS football. As they enter conference play, SDSU looks poised to defend their national title and maintain their grip on the top spot.

2. Idaho (4-0)

The Vandals continued their impressive start to the season with a 33-6 victory over Eastern Washington. Quarterback Gevani McCoy threw for 275 yards and two touchdowns, while the defense forced three turnovers. Idaho's balanced attack and stout defense have been the keys to their undefeated start.

What's most impressive about Idaho's run is that they've done it with their backup quarterback for much of the season. Their ability to adapt and overcome adversity speaks volumes about their coaching and depth. With wins over an FBS opponent and multiple ranked teams, the Vandals have proven they belong among the elite in FCS football.

3. Montana State (4-0)

The Bobcats remain undefeated after a convincing 38-22 victory over Weber State. Quarterback Tommy Mellott had another stellar performance, accounting for 248 total yards and three touchdowns. Montana State's offense continues to fire on all cylinders, averaging over 35 points per game.

Defensively, the Bobcats were solid, forcing two turnovers and holding Weber State to just 94 rushing yards. Montana State's ability to dominate on both sides of the ball against quality opponents justifies their high ranking. As they enter the heart of their Big Sky schedule, the Bobcats look like serious contenders for both the conference title and a high seed in the FCS playoffs.

4.  North Dakota State (3-1)

The Bison bounced back from their close call against Eastern Tennessee State with a convincing 34-10 victory over South Dakota. Running back TaMerik Williams led the charge with 124 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. NDSU's trademark power running game and stout defense were on full display.

Defensively, North Dakota State was dominant, holding South Dakota to just 185 total yards. This return to form is a reminder of why the Bison have been the gold standard in FCS football for over a decade. As they enter Missouri Valley Football Conference play, NDSU looks ready to challenge for yet another national title.

5. Sacramento State (3-1)

The Hornets made a statement with a 48-13 rout of Northern Colorado. Quarterback Kaiden Bennett was a dual-threat nightmare, throwing for 197 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 101 yards and another score. Sacramento State's offense has been explosive, averaging over 35 points per game against FCS competition.

Defensively, the Hornets showed significant improvement, holding Northern Colorado to just 13 points. This balanced performance on both sides of the ball, coupled with their only loss coming against a strong FBS opponent, justifies Sacramento State's high ranking. As they continue Big Sky play, the Hornets look like serious contenders for both the conference title and a deep playoff run.

6. Villanova (3-1)

The Wildcats bounced back from their first loss of the season with a convincing 31-13 victory over Rhode Island. Quarterback Connor Watkins had his best game of the season, throwing for 275 yards and three touchdowns. Villanova's offense has been potent, averaging over 30 points per game against FCS competition.

Defensively, the Wildcats were opportunistic, forcing two turnovers and holding Rhode Island to just 13 points. This balanced attack on both sides of the ball has been the key to their success this season. As they enter the heart of their CAA schedule, Villanova looks poised to challenge for the conference title and a high seed in the FCS playoffs.

7. South Dakota (3-1)

The Coyotes rebounded from their loss to North Dakota State with a dominant 38-7 victory over St. Thomas. Quarterback Aidan Bouman had his best game of the season, throwing for 263 yards and three touchdowns. South Dakota's offense has found its rhythm, averaging over 30 points per game in their last three contests.

Defensively, the Coyotes were stifling, holding St. Thomas to just 7 points and 234 total yards. This complete performance on both sides of the ball demonstrates South Dakota's potential to compete with the best in the FCS. As they continue Missouri Valley Football Conference play, the Coyotes look like serious contenders for both the conference title and a high seed in the playoffs.

8. Central Arkansas (3-1)

The Bears continued their strong start to the season with a convincing 45-17 victory over Austin Peay. Quarterback Will McElvain was efficient, throwing for 242 yards and three touchdowns. Central Arkansas's balanced offensive attack, which can beat opponents through the air or on the ground, has been a key to their success this season.

Defensively, the Bears were opportunistic, forcing three turnovers and holding Austin Peay to just 76 rushing yards. This complete performance on both sides of the ball showcases why Central Arkansas is considered a serious contender in the UAC. Their ability to dominate quality opponents keeps them firmly in the national championship conversation.

9. Montana (3-1)

The Grizzlies bounced back from their loss to North Dakota with a dominant 57-0 victory over Ferris State. While the level of competition must be considered, Montana's ability to dominate in all phases of the game is impressive. Quarterback Clifton McDowell was efficient, throwing for 166 yards and two touchdowns.

Montana's defense and special teams were the real stars, scoring two touchdowns and holding Ferris State to just 170 total yards. This complete performance serves as a reminder of why the Grizzlies are perennial contenders. As they continue Big Sky play, Montana looks ready to challenge for the conference title and make a deep playoff run.

10. North Dakota (3-1)

The Fighting Hawks rebounded from their loss to South Dakota State with a convincing 55-7 victory over Northern Arizona. Quarterback Tommy Schuster was outstanding, throwing for 275 yards and three touchdowns. North Dakota's offense has been explosive, averaging over 40 points per game in their three wins.

Defensively, North Dakota was dominant, holding Northern Arizona to just 7 points and forcing three turnovers. This balanced performance demonstrates why the Fighting Hawks are considered a dark horse in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. Their ability to bounce back from a tough loss with a dominant win shows their resilience and potential to compete with the best in the FCS.

11. Southern Illinois (3-1)

The Salukis continued their strong start to the season with a 33-20 victory over Abilene Christian. Quarterback Nic Baker had another stellar performance, throwing for 326 yards and four touchdowns. Southern Illinois's high-powered offense has been their calling card, averaging over 35 points per game against FCS competition.

While the defense allowed 20 points to Abilene Christian, they've been solid overall this season, creating turnovers and making stops when needed. With their only loss coming against a strong FBS opponent, the Salukis have proven they can compete with top-tier competition. As they enter Missouri Valley Football Conference play, Southern Illinois looks like a dark horse candidate for both the conference title and a deep playoff run.

12. William & Mary (4-0)

The Tribe remained undefeated with a convincing 31-10 victory over Maine. Quarterback Darius Wilson had another impressive performance, throwing for 227 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 57 yards and a score. William & Mary's balanced offensive attack has been a key to their perfect start.

Defensively, the Tribe were solid, holding Maine to just 10 points and forcing two turnovers. Their ability to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball has been crucial to their success. As they continue Colonial Athletic Association play, William & Mary looks like serious contenders for both the conference title and a high seed in the FCS playoffs.

13. Holy Cross (3-1)

The Crusaders bounced back from their loss to Boston College with a dominant 41-14 victory over Colgate. Quarterback Matthew Sluka was a dual-threat nightmare, throwing for 182 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 70 yards and another score. Holy Cross's offense has been explosive, averaging over 35 points per game against FCS competition.

Defensively, the Crusaders were stifling, holding Colgate to just 14 points and forcing two turnovers. This balanced attack on both sides of the ball has been the key to their success this season. As they continue Patriot League play, Holy Cross looks poised to defend their conference title and make a deep run in the FCS playoffs.

14. Delaware (3-1)

The Blue Hens made a statement with their impressive 37-13 upset over previously ranked New Hampshire. Quarterback Zach Gwynn had his best game of the season, throwing for 211 yards and three touchdowns. Delaware's offense has found its rhythm, averaging over 30 points per game in their last three contests.

Defensively, the Blue Hens were opportunistic, forcing four turnovers against New Hampshire. This ability to create big plays on defense has been a hallmark of Delaware's success this season. As they continue Colonial Athletic Association play, the Blue Hens look poised to challenge for the conference title in their final FCS season before moving up to the FBS.

15. UC Davis (3-1)

The Aggies continued their strong start to the season with a convincing 48-10 victory over Southern Utah. Quarterback Miles Hastings had another impressive performance, throwing for 301 yards and three touchdowns. UC Davis's offense has been explosive, averaging over 35 points per game against FCS competition.

Defensively, the Aggies were dominant, holding Southern Utah to just 10 points and forcing three turnovers. This balanced attack on both sides of the ball has been the key to their success this season. As they continue Big Sky Conference play, UC Davis looks like a serious contender for both the conference title and a high seed in the FCS playoffs.

16. Mercer (4-0)

The Bears remained undefeated with a solid 17-7 victory over VMI. While the offense wasn't explosive, quarterback Carter Peevy was efficient, throwing for 170 yards and a touchdown. Mercer's ability to win games in different ways, whether through offensive firepower or defensive dominance, has been a key to their success.

Defensively, the Bears were outstanding, holding VMI to just 7 points and forcing two turnovers. This stifling defense, which is allowing less than 15 points per game, has been the backbone of Mercer's success. As they continue Southern Conference play, Mercer looks like a serious contender for both the conference title and a spot in the FCS playoffs.

17. UT Martin (3-1)

The Skyhawks continued their impressive start to the season with a solid 27-17 victory over North Alabama. Quarterback Kinkead Dent had another strong performance, throwing for 262 yards and two touchdowns. UT Martin's balanced offensive attack, which can beat opponents through the air or on the ground, has been a key to their success this season.

Defensively, the Skyhawks have been solid, if not spectacular. Their ability to make key stops when needed has been crucial to their success. With their only loss coming against a strong FBS opponent, UT Martin has proven they can compete with top-tier competition. As they continue Ohio Valley Conference play, the Skyhawks look like serious contenders for both the conference title and a spot in the FCS playoffs.

18. Youngstown State (2-2)

The Penguins bounced back from two tough losses with an impressive 48-28 victory over Illinois State. Quarterback Mitch Davidson had his best game of the season, throwing for 280 yards and two touchdowns. Youngstown State's offense has shown flashes of brilliance, averaging over 30 points per game in their two wins.

Defensively, the Penguins have been inconsistent but showed improvement against Illinois State, forcing two turnovers. Their ability to win convincingly against a solid conference opponent justifies their ranking despite their .500 record. As they continue Missouri Valley Football Conference play, Youngstown State looks like a team that could make a late-season push for a playoff berth.

19. Southeast Missouri State (3-1)

The Redhawks continued their strong start to the season with a convincing 45-7 victory over Central Connecticut State. Running back Geno Hess was the star, rushing for 214 yards and three touchdowns. SEMO's balanced offensive attack, which can beat opponents through the air or on the ground, has been a key to their success this season.

Defensively, the Redhawks were dominant, holding Central Connecticut State to just 7 points and forcing three turnovers. This complete performance on both sides of the ball showcases why Southeast Missouri State is considered a serious contender in the Ohio Valley Conference. Their ability to dominate quality opponents keeps them firmly in the FCS playoff conversation.

20. Harvard (2-0)

The Crimson have impressed in their first two games of the season, including a 38-28 victory over Brown. Quarterback Charles DePrima has been a dual-threat nightmare for opposing defenses, accounting for 293 total yards and three touchdowns against Brown. Harvard's offense has been explosive, averaging 38 points per game.

Defensively, the Crimson have been solid if not spectacular, allowing 21 points per game. Their ability to outscore opponents while making key defensive stops when needed has been crucial to their success. While Harvard's schedule hasn't been the toughest, their dominant performances and the historical strength of their program justify their ranking. As they continue Ivy League play, the Crimson look poised to challenge for the conference title.

21. Furman (3-1)

The Paladins bounced back from their loss to Clemson with a convincing 30-7 victory over ETSU. Quarterback Tyler Huff had another strong performance, throwing for 228 yards and two touchdowns. Furman's balanced offensive attack, which can beat opponents through the air or on the ground, has been a key to their success this season.

Defensively, the Paladins were dominant, holding ETSU to just 7 points and 199 total yards. This stifling defense, which is allowing less than 15 points per game against FCS competition, has been the backbone of Furman's success. As they continue Southern Conference play, the Paladins look like serious contenders for both the conference title and a spot in the FCS playoffs.

22. North Carolina Central (4-0)

The Eagles have maintained their perfect record with a dominant 45-3 victory over Mississippi Valley State. Quarterback Davius Richard continues to impress, accounting for 280 total yards and four touchdowns in this game. North Carolina Central's offense has been explosive, averaging over 40 points per game through their first four contests.

Defensively, the Eagles have been equally impressive, allowing just 12 points per game on average. This balanced attack on both sides of the ball has been key to their undefeated start. While their schedule hasn't been the toughest, North Carolina Central's dominant performances justify their ranking. As they continue MEAC play, the Eagles look poised to challenge for the conference title and potentially make noise in the FCS playoffs.

23. Elon (2-2)

Despite a .500 record, Elon remains in the Top 25 due to their competitive performances against quality opponents. Their most recent game saw them defeat Richmond 27-3, showcasing their potential when firing on all cylinders. Quarterback Matthew McKay has been a bright spot, demonstrating his ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground.

Defensively, Elon showed significant improvement in their win over Richmond, holding them to just 3 points. This performance suggests that the Phoenix are capable of competing with the best teams in the CAA. As they continue their conference schedule, Elon will look to build on this momentum and potentially make a late-season push for a playoff spot.

24. New Hampshire (3-1)

New Hampshire enters the Top 25 after a strong start to their season, including a notable win over Central Connecticut State. The Wildcats' offense has been efficient, with quarterback Max Brosmer leading a balanced attack that can beat opponents through the air or on the ground.

Defensively, New Hampshire has been solid, allowing an average of just over 20 points per game. Their ability to create turnovers and make key stops has been crucial to their success. As they enter the heart of their CAA schedule, the Wildcats look poised to challenge for the conference title and potentially secure a playoff berth.

25. Rhode Island (3-1)

Rhode Island rounds out the Top 25 after a strong start to their season, including a convincing win over Brown in their most recent game. The Rams' offense has been potent, averaging over 30 points per game in their three victories. Quarterback Kasim Hill has been a standout, showcasing his ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs.

Defensively, Rhode Island has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in their ability to create turnovers. While they've had some inconsistent performances, their overall body of work justifies their inclusion in the Top 25. As they continue CAA play, the Rams will look to build on their strong start and potentially challenge for a conference title and playoff spot.